GC20 photo Hydrogen

Overview

The global poly-crisis (COVID-19, armed conflicts and climate-change induced catastrophes) has severely impacted livelihoods worldwide. Unemployment, poverty and hunger have increased as a result. The prospects for recovery are further complicated by ongoing trends such as rapid technological change, a growing global population, environmental degradation and heightened political tensions, which present new challenges to the developing world.

In this volatile environment, the industrial sector plays a pivotal role given its strong linkages to other societal and environmental goals. Once set in motion, industrial development can become a key catalyst for sustainable development. Industrialization does not happen on its own, however. It requires coordinated efforts and carefully designed policies.

UNIDO’s Industrial Development Report 2024 calls for bold policy initiatives to channel investments into sustainable industry, which holds great potential for facilitating recovery and accelerating progress. When industry is aligned with the SDGs, it can ignite innovation, create decent jobs and contribute to the mitigation of climate change.

The strong resurgence of industrial policy worldwide highlights a renewed interest in the power of industry to solve today’s challenges. This resurgence is primarily driven by the world’s most industrialized countries. Developing countries must match these efforts to fully leverage industrial policy for the achievement of the SDGs.

Domestic efforts alone will not suffice. The report urges the international community to come together in solidarity to support the world’s most vulnerable countries. We need a New Deal for fair globalization and global solidarity with a renewed spirit of international partnership, enabling developing countries to design, finance and implement SDG-oriented industrial policies. The report puts forth actions to bolster modern industrial policy capable of addressing the trends of tomorrow. This calls for enhancing government capabilities, increasing access to finance and promoting regional and global coordination.

Discussion Points

Industrial policy solutions for fair globalization.

Objective

A high-level debate around industrial policy involving policymakers across different regions on industrial policy solutions for a fair future. The debate will be prompted by key findings of the IDR 2024, presented in an overview document that will be available in digital and printed formats.

Related Documents

Keynote speech:

Mr. Jeffrey Sachs

Mr. Jeffrey Sachs, University Professor and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University

Mr. Jeffrey Sachs is an American economist who serves as the Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. Previoulsy, he held the position of Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University from 2002 to 2016. He is President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and from 2001-2018, Mr. Sachs served as Special Advisor to UN Secretaries-General Kofi Annan (2001-7), Ban Ki-moon (2008-16), and António Guterres (2017-18). Throughout the years he has also published a number of books including The End of Poverty (2005), Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet (2008), and The Price of Civilization (2011), all New York Times bestsellers.

Speakers

H.E. Mr. Melaku Alebel

H.E. Mr. Melaku Alebel, Minister of Industry, Ethiopia

Mr. Melaku Alebel is the Minister of Industry of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. He previously served as the Minister of Trade and Industry. Mr. Alebel has also served as the Vice President and Head of the Industry and Investment Bureau in Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. 

Mr. José David Prado Vásquez

Mr. José David Prado Vásquez, Vice-Minister for Investment and Competition, Guatemala

Mr. José David Prado Vásquez is the Vice Minister of Investment and Competition of the Ministry of Economy of Guatemala. He has more than 15 years of experience in the Public Sector of Guatemala, holding important positions within various institutions, including Head of the Departmental Delegation of Guatemala in the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, Parliamentary advisor to the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala in various periods and Vice Minister of Social Welfare and Employment of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. Mr. Prado Vásquez holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration and Government.

Mr. Pedro Manuel Moreno

Mr. Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy-Secretary-General at UNCTAD

Mr. Pedro Manual Moreno was appointed Deputy Secretary-General of the UNCTAD in 2022. He has over 20 years of experience in working for multilateral and intergovernmental organizations in programme, management and strategic positions both in the field and in headquarters. He previously worked as Deputy Secretary-General of the Communication for Development Committee at the Spanish Commission for UNESCO (1999-2004) and for the UN Development Programme (2004-2014). From 2014 to 2021 he was Director of the Cabinet of the Ibero-American General Secretariat while also being appointed Chief of Staff and Director of the Office of UNCTAD’s Secretary-General in 2021.

Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga

Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga, Senior Development Advisor at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, former CEO of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers

Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga is an accomplished professional with over 18 years of experience. She is the current Senior Advisor and Global Lead for Commerce and Industry at Tony Blair Institute for Global Change where she supports the work on the design and implementation of industrial strategies. She was previously the immediate former Chief Executive of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (2013-2022) as well as the Chair of United Nations Global Compact Network, Kenya Chapter (2017-2022).